Travelling in style – Best small bags

Today’s post is a mix of travel and fashion. I am a girl after all, and I am French, so I like an ‘oh so chic!’ touch even when I am hiking up a steep hill in Lisbon or petting a deer in Japan.

I just cannot help it, there is nothing I dislike more aesthetically than a functional camera bag or a travel money bag. I am not super duper precious though, and even if I like a good designer bag, the ones I invest in are always low maintenance and functional. I need bags that can stay on the floor in a restaurant and carry my camera, wallet, sunscreen and hand-sanitiser at a minimum.

It is also good to note that if I am going to a destination where items of value can get me into trouble, I will of course opt for plan B and carry a very cheap, yet functional, Karrimor rucksack.

Designer bags are expensive

Now before I list my favourite travel bags, I want to also address the elephant in the room – money! The bags I listed below are all on the pricey side and I am aware that I am extremely fortunate to have been able to afford them.

Luckily, I have a few tips!

Save, save, save!

It took me at least 18 months before I was able to afford my Gucci Soho bag! I had an objective though, and little by little I saved enough to afford it.

Duty-free is your best friend!

You can save A LOT by being patient and waiting for your next trip to buy a designer bag. Most major international airports have designers boutiques. So check which terminal you are leaving from and see what shops they have. I saved more than £150 on my Gucci Soho bag by buying it in Heathrow.

Dear Santa…

How about waiting for a special occasion and asking Santa for a new bag or a little financial help to get the one you have your eyes on? I asked my parents for my first Longchamp pliage bag to be my 18th birthday gift, and 11 years later I asked for a replacement as a Christmas gift.

The best small travel bags

Now to the fun bit, the bags! I have 4 favourites to travel with, all carry-on friendly and most leave you with free hands to take pictures.

Compact, functional as you can wear it cross-body, Gucci Soho bag is great for a city escape!

The grain leather makes it durable and less prone to scratches. I also picked the black colour because I wanted it to go with most outfits as this bag is quite pricey. It is also a great colour to avoid any stain or colour transfer! In terms of space, I can fit my camera, wallet, a pack of tissue, hand-sanitiser, a lip balm, and a few more bits and pieces.

Unfortunately, this Missoni bag isn’t available for sale at the moment, but it worth keeping an eye out on eBay and Vestiaire Collective if you like it! I called it the modern classic as its rectangular shape gives it a very contemporary feel. The soft leather has stained and marked more easily than grain leather. The metallic logo also shows signs of ageing but I don’t mind it, I like to see the scratches and remember how much we travelled together!

I use this bag ALL THE TIME when I travel. It is small but super spacious and functional! I can fit a little more than what I pack in my Gucci Soho bag.

If you haven’t heard of Sezane yet, you need to check them out! It is a very famous French women’s wear brand (sorry lads!) and all items have a very Parisian touch.

I went for a burgundy colour with this bag so it is perfect for autumn and winter. Once again it is very functional with grain leather and you can wear it cross-body, which is a must for me. The Farrow bag is a bucket bag so it has plenty of space. I can fit my camera, wallet, and my entire carry-on zip-lock bag in it, plus a few bits and bobs!

This is a Mary Poppins bag! I have the Longchamp Nylon Pliage in L and it can pretty much fit everything and anything. I actually use it as a gym bag when I am not travelling the world with it.

This is my go-to carry-on and weekend bag. I pack my books, a spare change of clothes (in case my luggage get lost/delayed), cosmetics, and anything else I may need on a flight or for a night away. This is my second Longchamp pliage, it replaced my first one which lasted 11 years! Talk about a good investment!

Here you go guys, you have it! My four most used bags! I say most ‘used’ as, even though this post is about travelling with them, they are also my everyday bags and commute to work with me most days!

Meet moi!

French living in London. Scatterbrain and food lover. I like to capture nice moments with my camera. Pictures were taken at home, on trips, somewhere close or somewhere far. I share travel tips, good addresses, interior design updates and beauty tips!

If daydreamer was a job, I would be a pro!

New post every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Except sometimes when life gets in the way!